A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend time with an incredible spiritual teacher named Arkan on sacred land in New Mexico. He does not have a personal website or social media platform. He does have a profound connection to Spirit and Mother Earth that makes him one of the most impactful teachers I have been blessed to be with.

His present, loving, grounded, joyful, and patient way of being impacted me more than any specific concept he taught. However, there was one thing in particular he said that resonated deeply with me. I share about it along with other experiences from my time on the sacred land in today’s vlog.

A group of us were sitting in a circle discussing spirituality and how wonderful it is that we live in a time when so many people are waking up. We chatted about all the ways that spirituality is becoming more mainstream, from yoga to personal growth books. After a long pause Arkan said, “To me, what spirituality is really about is one’s capacity to be guided.”

I felt the resonance of what he said in every cell of my body and continued to reflect on this definition of spirituality. . .

Spirituality is one’s capacity to be guided. @ChristinHassler (Click to Tweet!)

It is not about how much we mediate. Or how often we go to church. Or how many yoga poses or Sanskrit words we know. Or how much time we spend praying. Or how many Om pieces of jewelry we have.

Spirituality is really about how much we get out of our own way and allow ourselves to be guided by God.

That means. . .

Letting go of expectations.

Releasing attachments to the way we think things should be.

Quieting the voice of our ego so we can hear the voice of inner wisdom.

Making changes that maybe scary and facing uncertainty with faith.

Being of service to others that Spirit places in our lives in often unexpected ways.

In my own spiritual journey, I have learned that I experience my connection to God when I am willing to set aside time to tune in through mediation and prayer. I have grown the most spiritually when I have taken action on the guidance I receive. Even when it does not make logical sense. Even when others may not understand. And especially when I would rather stay in my comfort zone.

Our spiritual evolution depends on our willingness to attune and our courage to take action on the guidance we receive.

Remember, we are spiritual beings having a human experience so I encourage you to gently reflect on your devotion to your spiritual life. I offer detailed suggestions in the vlog so be sure to watch – highlights below:

• When you first wake up in the morning before you get out of bed and definitely before you check your phone/email, spend at least three minutes in silent mediation. This is the time of day you are most open to guidance. Simply sit and breathe. The more you do this, the more receptive you will become
• Talk with God. Throughout the day, ask your questions either in your head or out load. Have a relationship with the Divine.
• Notice the form guidance comes in. For some, it comes in images. Others hear things. Or you may notice certain things or be drawn to particular conversations. Pay attention to where your attention is going.
• Be present so you are available for guidance. When you notice yourself future tripping or past hacking (I explain these things in detail in Expectation Hangover) bring your awareness back to the now by saying, “I am here now,” and taking a deep breath. Guidance comes most easily when we are present.
• Set an intention before you go to bed to remember your dreams and then record them in the morning. Keep a journal next to your bed and when you first wake up start writing what you remember. As you start to write, your memory will be triggered and more will come. It is important not to move a lot during this process. The closer you are to your sleep state the better.

How do you receive guidance? I would love to hear about your spiritual practice so please leave your comments below.

Blessings,

Christine

Christine Hassler has broken down the complex and overwhelming experience of recovering from disappointment into a step-by-step treatment plan in her new book Expectation Hangover. This book reveals the formula for how to process disappointment on the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels to immediately ease suffering. Instead of wallowing in regret, self-recrimination, or anger, we can see these experiences as catalysts for profound transformation and doorways that open to possibility. You can find more info on her website, and follow her on Twitter and FB.

Image courtesy of Jeff Sheldon.